Cabin camping near Spicewood, Texas offers access to the limestone hills and waterways of the central Texas Hill Country at elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Terrain consists of rocky limestone outcroppings, juniper and oak woodlands, with several natural springs feeding into the Colorado River system.
What to do
Hiking trails: explore varying terrain: At Pedernales Falls State Park Campground, trails range from easy to moderate difficulty. "Lots of hiking trails here. Good swimming. The falls are pretty. You can walk upriver from the falls, bouldering for quite a long way. Classic hill country terrain," notes Emily M.
Water activities: swimming holes and cliff jumping: Pace Bend Park - Lake Travis features swimming areas with rock formations. "My favorite part about this campsite is the ability to cliff jump into a lake. I love the water and this campsite was perfect for me," shares Aaron S. Another visitor mentions, "The best swimming place is the Devil's Waterhole. There are some rocks on the far side that people climb up on to jump off of."
Stargazing: clear Hill Country skies: The Spicewood area offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from city light pollution. "We stayed at Pace bend every time we go rock climbing in Austin. The campsites are private and there are always sites available. The campsites along the cliffs are beautiful at night," reports Katie B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin renters appreciate the spacing between accommodations. "Drive-up tent sites (don't settle for the first you see unless it's a busy weekend) great cliff jumping and deep-water soloing opportunities for the seeking. Also great swimming/fishing holes," mentions Kadyn D. about Pace Bend Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently note the cleanliness of cabins and supporting amenities. "Clean shower houses," reports Richard S. about Inks Lake State Park Campground, while another visitor states, "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Hook ups for both water and electricity, if needed."
Natural swimming areas: The spring-fed swimming holes receive high praise. "Natural springs with tent & RV camping, fishing, kayaking, lake access, hammock areas and day use picnic with grills," reports Lisa B. about her stay. Another visitor comments on the swimming options: "There are two waterfalls. The main falls starts by flowing into a topside traditional pool down to a natural pool below."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin facilities fill quickly, especially during summer months. "State Park is about 25 mins away from Johnson City (closest city) if any groceries are needed," notes Kaitlyn M. about Pedernales Falls.
Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Spring and early summer typically offer the best water conditions. "This park has always been a favorite central Texas spot to go to. Made me aware of how serious flash flooding is here. Respect weather warnings!" warns Faith S.
Cabins vary widely in amenities: Krause Springs offers more rustic accommodations while others provide modern comforts. "My only warning is low hanging trees everywhere. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate the campground in a 5th wheel or class A. You could do some rooftop damage," cautions Brandi W.
Weekend congestion: Many sites become crowded Friday through Sunday. "Cars/trucks coming and going all day/night kicking up tons of dust because they're too lazy to just walk to the bathroom or set up their own bathroom. That's not what I call camping," notes Darrin R. about weekend traffic.
Tips for camping with families
Kitchen preparations: Most cabin options require bringing your own cooking supplies. "The camp ground is wonderful. Very spread out and wooded for privacy between the campsites. Has a good little spot with a picnic table for eating at camp. Also has a built in grill over the fire for cooking," advises Kaitlyn M.
Swimming safety measures: Natural swimming areas often have uneven, slippery surfaces. "We loved it. It was our first time EVER tent camping on our own, and we really enjoyed our time at Krause Springs. We walked around the property and were stunned at how beautiful the waterfall and spring swimming area were," shares Rachel W.
Family-friendly cabin locations: Some areas cater specifically to families with children. "My wife, kids, dogs and I went out to Inks Lake and we stayed in site 345, in the tent only sites. It was a great site that backed right up on the lake. We had a natural split level site with a clearing towards the lake," explains Chris H.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Large RVs face challenges at certain locations. "We stayed overnight to shakedown our new to us popup camper. Cozy place, awesome community fire pit and super friendly owners/staff. Nice clean amenities," notes Jacob C. about Hill Country Lakes RV Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service cabin and RV sites often book months in advance. "We are currently at the Harker Heights, location that opened last month. The grass needs to grow some, muddy areas. Most sights are level. Full hookups," reports Ty M. about cabin camping at Open Air Resorts.
Road conditions: Some cabin areas have rough access roads that can challenge larger vehicles. "This sounds like an amazing place to escape the Texas heat! The rope swing and swimming holes sound perfect for a fun day trip. It's good to know about the uneven paths though," notes Michael J.
